Roald Dahl’s ‘BFG’ Coming To The Big Screen

Fans of Roald Dahl listen up! Another story from the famous author is set to be adapted for the big screen. Steven Spielberg is currently ironing out preliminary plans to pick up his next project, and it looks like it’s going to be The BFG, the giant tale by Roald Dahl.

Of course with such a popular and beloved book as The BFG Spielberg has already made sure that the adaptation will be in more than capable hands. Melissa Mathison, who is famously known for writing E.T., one of Spielberg’s most popular films, has decided to write the latest draft. She was first placed on the project in 2011 when DreamWorks bought the rights of the book.

This isn’t the first time the film industry set out to make The BFG. Prior to Steven Spielberg’s name being brought in, director Chris Columbus and John Madden were two directors that were originally attached to the film at different points.

For those who aren’t familiar with the story it’s about a young girl named Sophie who happens to meet the only friendly giant in the world. The giant makes it his duty to collect good dreams and present them to children as he destroys nightmares.

With the other directors seemingly moved on from the project, this seems now more than ever a viable option for Spielberg to slide right in. Although he has found success outside of childhood wonderment, the magical world of fantasy has always been Spielberg’s best work.

In addition to The BFG, Spielberg has a full plate of work. While the director has focused on producing these days, he still has Indiana Jones 5 to direct. As a producer he’s overseeing multiple productions in the next two years or so. Of them are Jurassic World, When Worlds Collide, Untitled Third Tintin Film, Real Steel 2, The Adventures of Tintin, and multiple television projects.

Two years ago marked the 30th anniversary of BFG. In honor of the anniversary Dahl’s favorite illustrator Quentin Blake spoke with fans of Dahl’s via a webcast.

At the time Roald Dahl’s website stated:

“The BFG was written in 1982. The idea for the story had begun several years before, with a sentence scribbled in one of Roald Dahl’s Ideas Books – exercise books he used to write down some of the thoughts that came to him and were sometimes later turned into stories. Just like The BFG.

The BFG won the Federation of Children’s Book Groups Award in 1982. In 1989 it was turned into an animated film featuring the voice of David Jason. More than 30 years later, The BFG remains a much-loved character. And of all his stories, Roald Dahl said that The BFG was probably his own favourite.”

Stay tuned for further news regarding The BFG.

[Image Credit: cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com]